The Pole Dancer

Chapter 18

After two months...

Sarah runs to the back of the garden, holding a dozen colorful balloons, other children run after her, including Vince's daughter, Elizabeth.

Today is her birthday. She turns 5 years old. And she is dressed in a princess dress similar to Snow White's, her favorite princess.

Jenice, helped by Nikki and her loving neighbor Lily organized the party. Sandra, Jenice's good friend and co-worker, also came. Nikki's bandmates are also there with their wives, watching the kids who seem like they have a great time.

Everyone is seated, Nikki touches Jenice's hand, who is seated next to him.

"They grow up so fast," Heather, Tommy's wife adds, looking at the children.

"That's right," smiles Jenice. "How about you? When will you also have a bundle of joy?"

"It's not time yet," Heather smiles weakly, looking out of the corner of her eye at Tommy to see his reaction. "Maybe one day... It will happen."

The day passes swiftly. Sarah blows out the candles on her birthday cake, Jenice and Nikki with her.

Nikki brings his the gift from her. Jenice follows them closely because she knows what is inside. Nikki considered with her before whether she agrees to give something like that to Sarah.

"What's inside?" The little girl takes the box, the rest of the children gather around curiously.

"Just don't shake it," Nikki warns her. "It is very fragile."

More and more curious, the little girl puts the lid aside and gasps, stunned. Inside is an American Shorthair kitten with green eyes. It seems a little frightened, but Nikki is the one who takes it and puts it in Sarah's arms. The little girl staring at it. The rest of the children are also enjoyably surprised by the little furry ball.

"How cute it is!" Exclaims the little girl, now looking up at Nikki, her small, almond-shaped eyes moisten with small tears. "Thank you so much! I wanted a kitten for a long time. How did you know I wanted one? Did mommy tell you?"

"Let's say so," Nikki aims his gaze at Jenice who is smiling.

"Look, Lily!" Sarah shows the kitten to her nanny. "From now you will also watch over this kitten. Not just me."

"Oh, sweetie," Lily laughs with the others.

It gets dark and one by one, each guest leaves with their parents. The last being Lily and Sandra.

"See you on Monday," Sandra smiles at Jenice and hugs her, standing in the frame of the wide open entrance door.

Her co-worker takes a look inside, where Nikki is sitting on the couch with Sarah, the kitten in the girl's arms.

"Thank you for coming," Jenice smiles at him.

"I like what I see, girl,".Sandra grins. "The two of you together... And Sarah... Now you also have a kitten... Things are moving well and fast."

Jenice stifles her laughter with one hand and cast a fleeting glance at Nikki and Sarah along with Sandra.

"I love to see how much they bond together," Jenice reveals. "I feel... For the first time that I have a family in the true sense of the word. It's so fulfilling, her face is beaming."

"Let's hope for better things," smiles Sandra. "Okay, girl. It was a wonderful day. I have to go now. See you later. Good night."

"Good night," Jenice follows the brunette, as Sandra turns on her heels, heading towards her car, getting inside.